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August Issue 2009
Artspace in
Raleigh, NC, Features Works by Youth Artists, Kerri Henrickson-Eckes,
Keith Allen, and Warren Hicks
Artspace in Raleigh,
NC, will present several new exhibits including: Artspace Summer
Arts Program Youth Exhibition, on view Aug. 18 - 22, 2009
in Gallery 2; Dress Up, featuring works by Kerri Henrickson-Eckes,
on view from Aug. 7 - 29, 2009 in the Artspace Lobby; and Plain
Geometry and Natural Wonders, featuring works by Keith Allen
and Warren Hicks, on view from Aug. 7 - 29, 2009 in the Upfront
Gallery.
Kerri Henrickson-Eckes
In her exhibition entitled,
Dress Up, Kerri Eckes explores costume as a form of unspoken
communication - a dialogue between the wearer and the witness.
Eckes notes that dress may be used in order to establish individuality,
express a desire to conform, or to reveal an affiliation within
a particular subculture, religion, or ethnic group. Clothing can
also be used as part of a game of pretend - an opportunity to
masquerade as another individual or fictional character in an
escape from daily life. Clothing is also an important part of
ritual and ceremony. The importance of costume in society can
be seen throughout history and across global boundaries. As a
dialogue, it allows the wearer to announce his or her identity,
whether actual or temporary. Witnesses, however, interpret this
nonverbal communication in their own ways, bringing their own
stereotypes and cultural belief symptoms into the discussion.
The conversation between a wearer and a witness therefore not
only reveals much about the wearer, but also about the witness.
Eckes completed her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts with concentrations
in Painting, Drawing, and Photography from Mount Olive College
in 1999, and earned an MFA in Painting from East Carolina University
in 2005. She has exhibited drawings and paintings throughout eastern
NC. She currently teaches at the Art Institute of Raleigh - Durham
in Durham, NC, in addition to teaching youth arts classes at Artspace.
Keith Allen
Plain Geometry and
Natural Wonders
presents woodworking by Keith Allen and paintings by Warren Hicks.
Although these two artists create very distinct work, they decided
to exhibit together after Allen noted a similar interest in geometry
and rhythm within their works.
Allen cites the natural designs of the late American furniture
maker George Nakashima and the geometric designs of early 20th
century Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld as strong influences upon
him. He enjoys contrasting nature and geometry in his work. Hicks'
experiences in the music industry and architectural drafting enrich
his paintings with melodic imagery and precise execution. His
current works on assembled wood blend the organic wood grain with
geometric designs. The result is a balanced composition of unfamiliar
yet recognizable forms, delivered with striking colors.
Allen taught math and
computer science at the university level for 20 years. He is a
self-taught woodworker, and has been a member of Artspace Artists
Association since 1993. He is also an exhibiting member of Piedmont
Craftsmen, Carolina Designer Craftsmen, and Orange County Artists
Guild.
Warren Hicks
Warren Hicks studied Architectural Design at Oklahoma State University. Prior to graduation, he moved to Miami, FL, to work in the music industry. After twelve years, Hicks briefly returned to architectural drafting. Still searching for the perfect creative outlet, he began painting in 2002. Hicks' paintings have been exhibited in China, Macedonia, and across the US. He is a current member of the Artspace Artists Association.
Artspace, a thriving
visual art center located in downtown Raleigh, brings the creative
process to life through inspiring and engaging education and community
outreach programming, a dynamic environment of over 30 professional
artists studios, and nationally acclaimed exhibitions. Approximately
95 artists hold professional memberships in the Artspace Artists
Association. Thirty-five of these artists have studios located
at Artspace. Artspace is supported by the North Carolina Arts
Council, the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, the
Raleigh Arts Commission, individuals, corporations, and private
foundations.
For further information check our NC Institutional Gallery
listings, call the center at 919/821-2787 or visit (www.artspacenc.org).
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